The American Thyroid Association today released a statement advising against the ingestion of iodine and kelp supplements containing in excess of 500 mcg iodine daily. Iodine is a micronutrient required for normal thyroid function.

Iodine is a micronutrient required for normal thyroid function. Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for iodine intake are 150 mcg in adults, 220-250 mcg in pregnant women, and 250-290 mcg in breastfeeding women in the U.S. (1,2).

Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and leaders of the American Thyroid Association and Physicians for Social Responsibility wrote White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director John Holdren, urging him to overturn the Bush administration’s decision not to implement the decade-old law that requires the supply of radiation “emergency pills” to U.S. citizens who live within 20 miles of a nuclear power plant.